Last year at this time, I had asked former Wayne State student athletes if they would be willing to reach out and help us overcome another reduction in state funding all while trying to continue activities during a pandemic.  Not only did you reach out – you literally lifted us up.  

That campaign raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars and was instrumental as we again had to overcome another funding reduction, COVID and a stringent schedule of testing (6X a week for some sports), unorthodox conditions for play and practice, and a competitive setting primarily without fans.  And your younger teammates did it. 

This year's reduction, in addition to those of the past, is eight percent (8%).  That is significant…and a challenge. But we will get through it.  I just need a hand…or two.  You might say, another helping hand.  A second hand.  Sometimes the challenge requires a bit more strength and determination. 

If you have been a student athlete at Wayne State University in the last, oh say 21 years, I know you understand the concept of the "helping hand".  You see, you too have been the beneficiary of that unforeseen hand reaching out to help you and guide your journey.  

For some it was their experience with a coach who taught them a little bit more about themselves than they thought they knew...or admitted.  Some were grateful for the academic support – a first generation student who benefited by a scholarship, or summer aid to complete a degree or a fifth-year scholarship to finish a program and graduate.  Others benefited by new facilities for both training and competition.  Still others were encouraged to reach higher because of the academic and 4.00 luncheons or leadership events.  Others acknowledged the support they received because of academic advising, tutorial aid and learning communities.  And some quietly admitted that their lives, and that of others, were changed because of drug and alcohol education programs and sensitivity training.  And for those who improved their athleticism, they gave credit to strength coaches and fueling stations and fulltime head and assistant coaches who taught, encouraged, cajoled and motivated that success. Those hands were always there -- all around…it just sometimes takes a little while to realize how far they lifted you up.

I got a text from a former student athlete just minutes before the start of the opening football game of the year.  He had not been back to the athletic campus in quite a few years and had his young son with him.  The sun was setting in the west shadowing the new basketball arena and as he wandered his way through the tailgate parties and the new buildings/additions, his son remarked to him that "Geez Dad, I didn't know you played for a big-time football team."  As he grabbed his little hand, he told his son, a lot of hands made this happen.  I need each of you to be that hand for today…for tomorrow.

Rob Fournier, esq.
Director of Athletics

For questions about the campaign or to make a donation via check or phone contact warriors@wayne.edu or 313-577-0241. To contribute online to WSU Athletics visit https://giving.wayne.edu/donate/athletics.